Ohio Makes Smart Traveler Top 5 Fall Vacation List

With the arrival of school bus assignments in the mail and Roosevelt’s football team standing at 1-0 already, it would seem that we are in the midst of another seasonal transition. I must admit that it is with some sadness that I see signs of summer coming to a close but if it has to come to an end then it’s great to see our home state get national coverage for being one of the best places in the country for fall vacations in USA Today last week. With abundant national, state and local parks in our region alone we don’t have to wait for vacation time, we get to live it every day. And I can’t think of a better or more appropriate place than Kent, the original tree city, to take in the sights, sounds and smells of autumn. The choice we have all made in selecting Kent as our home has given us a front row seat to some of the most spectacular fruit mother nature produces all within walking distance.

By Christine Sarkis, SmarterTravel.com

After a summer of new airline fees, high fuel costs, and tight budgets, will fall bring better deals for travelers in search of a bargain? Choose your destinations wisely and you’ll find that this fall really is a good time to travel, even if you don’t have much to spend.

#3. Ohio

Innkeepers in New Hampshire and Vermont may swear otherwise, but New England isn’t the only place to marvel at impressive fall foliage displays. Even better, leaf peeping in other parts of the country can be far more affordable as well. Ohio, for instance, is dotted with state parks offering vivid autumn colors. And many are within an easy drive of major cities and airports, making the trip even more affordable.

Comparing the cost of a simple weekend getaway puts the savings in perspective. At the Shire Riverview Motel in Woodstock, Vermont, a standard room runs about $180 on weekends, putting the cost of a two-night weekend getaway at $360. Compare that to a two-night weekend package at the Burr Oak State Park Resort, located about an hour-and-a-half drive from Columbus. The Buckeye Package includes two nights’ accommodations, daily breakfast, dinner for two, and a $25 gift certificate for $279. Ohio State Parks has a rate comparison chart for lodges around the state.

You can find dozens more discounts and specials on accommodations, dining, and attractions at the Discover Ohio website. When you’re ready to book, check for fall airfare sales from Southwest and other airlines serving Columbus, Cleveland, and other Ohio airports.

If you’re looking for great stuff to do this Fall you don’t have to look far. Portage County recently came out with a great guide call the Portage 100 that lists 100 of the county’s favorite things to do in our own backyard. Here’s a sampling: